NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. - The Jaspers concluded their 2014 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) slate with a convincing 12-2 victory over the Iona Gaels on Wednesday afternoon. With the win, Manhattan moves to 4-12 overall, and finishes conference play at 2-6.
The Jaspers never trailed in the game. Manhattan held a 5-2 edge at halftime, but really cemented the victory in the second half. The Jaspers tallied seven times in the second stanza and held the Gaels off the scoreboard over the final half hour of play.
Sophomore Kaitlyn Cunningham led the Manhattan attack with a game-high four goals. Fellow sophomore Stefanie Ranagan recorded a hat trick on the afternoon. Senior Kelsey Rehain and junior Donna Jo DiNorcia netted two goals each, as the 12 Jaspers goals were scored by just five players. Junior Domenica O'Brey also struck for a goal midway through the second half.
Defensively, junior starting goalkeeper Christina Fiorinelli is playing some of her best lacrosse of the season. After registering 15 saves in the Jaspers Senior Night win over the Niagara Purple Eagles on Saturday, the junior made 10 stops against Iona on Wednesday afternoon.
The Jaspers' back line held strong all afternoon. Rehain, junior Caitlin Hynes, sophomore Claire Roediger and freshman Carly Cummings shared the team lead with three ground balls apiece. Hynes led the squad with two caused turnovers.
"Im very proud of this group. We have not given up and we played very well to beat a tough opponent," said Jaspers head coach Elizabeth Weber. "It says a lot about this team. We are 'getting it' and it's a great spot to be in finishing up our 2014 season."
The Jaspers owned a 24-15 edge in ground balls in the game and had their man-up unit running efficiently, going 2-2 on extra man opportunities.
For the Gaels, Erin Pugh and Rachelle Serafini scored once each. Mary Kate McCormick took a game-high nine shots and also picked up four ground balls, which led all players.
The Jaspers return to action on Saturday night for their final game of the season against the Columbia Lions. The opening draw is scheduled for 7 p.m.